Minibus Safety Inspections

If you operate under a Section 19 or 22 Permit, you are required to carry out specific minibus safety inspections at regular intervals a daily walk-around check and regular safety inspections – a more in-depth safety check including those items covered by the appropriate Department for Transport annual test completed by a person qualified to assess the significance of defects. These safety inspections are required in addition to an MOT and you must be able to provide evidence of checks for up to 15 months.

The Government’s Section 19 and 22 Permit recommendations for vehicles under 10 years of age state;

‘bearing in mind that passengers are to be carried on your vehicle, and possibly a number of different drivers used, you should carry out more frequent safety checks. DVSA recommend that inspections are carried out at least every 10 weeks.’

‘The guidance has reflected that older vehicles and trailers will need more frequent maintenance and has indicated a minimum safety inspection frequency of 6 weeks requirement for vehicles and trailers aged 12 years and older.’

Safety First

Your Section 19 Permit should be considered as a ‘badge of trust’, demonstrating your commitment to safety. Regular minibus safety inspections are not advisory, they are law. If you are unable to provide evidence of a schedule of safety inspections and walk-around checks, your Section 19 Permit is at risk of being confiscated by the issuing body or Traffic Commissioner.

Castle specialise in providing schools with all the support they need in running a safe and compliant minibus fleet. If you would like Castle to organise and complete your safety inspections, please call us today on 01869 253744.

Minibus safety inspections with Castle Minibus

You don’t have to be an existing Castle customer to have Castle take care of your minibus safety inspections. All you need to do is keep a plan of the inspection dates, so you are prepared.

Safety

Safety inspections by qualified engineers

Pre-arranged on-site maintenance and any quick fixes

MOTs and services

Vehicle pick-up and drop-off if necessary

Copy of inspection for compliant record keeping

‘Safety inspections should be subject to pre-planning and a maintenance planner or wall chart should be used to identify dates at least 6 months in advance of when they’re due. The system of safety inspections must be regularly monitored particularly in the early stages. You should be prepared to change the frequency of checks as appropriate based on your monitoring. Records of any remedial work carried out should be kept for at least 15 months.’

Industry standard reassurance

Castle Minibus is a member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and are regularly inspected under their quality assurance programme.

Under this regulatory body, Castle Minibus must ‘maintain industry standards and regulatory compliance’ as part of the agreed code of conduct, so you can rest assured that all our advice is subject to regular inspection.

Contact us today

For assistance with the administration of your school transport vehicles and minibus safety inspections, call one of our dedicated compliance team on 01869 253744 or email compliance@castleminibus.co.uk

We would be delighted to answer any questions you have and provide a no obligation quote.